QB: Two words: Tom Brady. Even with the four game suspension , Tom Brady will have ample time to make sure the Patriots are in a position to make the playoffs. If they are able to do so, the rest of the league has to bring their 'A' game when playing Brady and the Pats.
HB: LeGarrette Blount seems to be the go to guy in the backfield for the Patriots. With that being said, the Patriots never depend on just one person when it pertains to the running game. Look for James Develin to get a good amount of touches also in the season.
WR: From the receiving core, Julian Edelman is the #1 target outside of Gronk. Edelman has had a combined10 touchdowns the past two seasons. On the other side lies Brandon LaFell. LaFell nearly had 1,000 yards receiving last year to go along with 7 touchdowns. When Brady returns, look for this core's numbers to improve.
TE: This position goes to the man of the hour: Rob Gronkowski. Gronk is Brady's most reliable target. Gronk can average over 1,000 yards and over 10 touchdowns a year when healthy. Standing at 6'6 with a 4.68 40-yard dash speed, Gronk is nearly impossible for anyone to stop.
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| Rob Gronkowski |
Offense: The biggest question will be how well the Pats can play without Brady throughout his 4-game suspension. Once Brady returns, it doesn't matter who's around him. Brady and Billicheck will do everything to make the offense successful.
DL: With the loss of longtime nose guard Vince Wilfork , the Pats will look to fill that void with defensive tackle's Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga. Between these two, they had a combined sack total of 2.5 sacks last year.
LB: Linebackers Jamie Collins and Donta' Hightower are tackling machines. Jerod Mayo stepped up his game during the playoffs. They will continue to be solid at this position.
DB: With the loss of Darrelle Revis , the Patriots secondary will take a hit. Malcolm Butler will step into a starting role as a starting cornerback. Logan Ryan is on the other side, and with McCourty and Chung, we will see if the Patriots can be as dominant.
Defense: With a few major pieces missing, they may spend the first few games figuring out what works and what doesn't. With that being said , at the end of the day, it's still the Patriots. They will find a way to be successful.